Financial and economic abuse
Financial and economic abuse can take many forms. It could be someone stopping you from earning or using your own money. It could be someone running up debts in your name or spending your money without your permission. Whatever it is, you don’t have to deal with it on your own – we can help.
What financial and economic abuse looks like
Financial and economic abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, class, religion or disability. It’s usually carried out by a partner, family member, friend or carer who might:
- stop you from working or getting to your job
- make you hand over control of your bank accounts and stop you accessing your money
- make you explain what you’ve spent your money on
- withholding money and stopping you from buying essentials
- take out credit cards or loans in your name
- spend your household budget on other things without telling you
- withdraw money from your account without your knowledge or permission.
How we can help you
We’ll listen to your situation and make sure we understand everything. Then we’ll suggest ways we could help. Our support could include:
- helping you understand the payments going in and out of your account
- resetting login details for your Internet Bank or changing card PINs
- explaining your options if you have a joint account
- setting up a new current account or savings account
- sending your bank statements to a different address
- helping you deal with any debts
- working out a budget
- letting you know about other organisations that could help keep you safe and provide support.
Do you know someone who might be a victim of financial or economic abuse?
They might need some support from you to ask for help. You can show them the It’s your money leaflet from UK Finance - PDF, 479KB (opens in a new window).
Please encourage them to contact us, their bank or building society, or one of the organisations listed at the back of the leaflet.
Get in touch
Our Specialist Support Team are ready to help. They’ll never judge you or put you under pressure.
Call us
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Closed Sundays and bank holidays
Visit us in branch
Prefer to speak face-to-face? We’ll make time for you. There’s no need to make an appointment.
Important:
If you need help urgently, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This free helpline is run by Refuge and Women’s Aid (opens in a new window).
More help and information
UK Finance has worked with several banks and building societies to create a leaflet about financial abuse. It contains more examples of financial and economic abuse; outlines how we can help and lists other organisations that can support you when you’re ready.